RICHLAND – With 10 of 17 precincts reporting in three counties, a majority of Gull Lake Community Schools voters are supporting a $7.29-million bond issue to be used primarily for technology.

In Kalamazoo County, six of 10 precincts voted yes on the bond, 745 to 436, with much of the support coming from Richland precincts 1 and 2 and Comstock precinct 4.

A majority of people who went to the polls in Charleston voted against the bond, but absentee votes were in favor of it.

Bedford voters in all three Calhoun County precincts voted against the bond, 107 to 52.

Results are still coming in from four Barry County precincts and two Kalamazoo precincts in Ross Township and one precinct of Kalamazoo County absentee voters.

If approved, approximately 70 percent of the bond proceeds, about $4.8 million, would be dedicated to creating tech-savvy students and teachers by incorporating advanced electronic devices in the classroom.

The remaining $2.5 million would be used on building repairs and upgrades for first-priority projects at Richland Elementary, Kellogg Elementary, Ryan Intermediate and Gull Lake Middle schools.

The millage replacement request does not involve a tax increase because the district will pay off bonds issued for the construction of Bedford Elementary, which closed in 2007 and is now used as a community center, and Ryan Intermediate schools and replace it with the new technology levy for next year.

If approved by voters, the bond would extend the district's current debt levy for another 12 years, resulting in no change in the overall tax rate. A survey showed that many voters are supportive of the bond.

The debt service on the bond issue would be paid with property taxes generated by a levy of approximately 0.29 mills, which the district says would cost the owner of a $200,000 home about $29 per year in taxes.

If the current debt levy is allowed to expire and is not replaced, property owners in the school district that covers portions of Kalamazoo, Barry and Calhoun counties would see their taxes decrease about $31.50 on a home with a market value of $200,000 and a taxable value of about $100,000.

Gull Lake has 10 precincts in Kalamazoo County, four in Barry County and three in Calhoun County.